The Ministry of Justice granted the executive judges the right to announce an auction sale of a debtor’s real estate property, when the debtor refuses to pay his dues.
An official at Justice Ministry said the judges’ previously limited powers had been extended to ordering the imprisonment of a stalling debtor, disclosing his balance, inquiring about any properties in his possession and indeed the right to sell them in case he would not comply with orders.
The executive draft will take effect on March 3. The ministry provided a website ([email protected]), and a fax number (01 4169526) so all concerned parties can submit their notes and opinions of the draft within a period of seven days.
Justice Minister Mohammad Al-Issa said earlier that the draft is ready to be released. “The draft will strengthen the judge’s powers with direct support from enforcement agencies. It represents a mere development in upgrading judges’ tasks,” he said.
Article seven of the draft stipulated that in case of any infringement, offense, or resistance to orders of enforcement, the judge has the right to take all precautionary measures. Enforcement officers should not break doors or locks by force unless they had previously obtained a written and signed authorization from the executive judge, accompanied with the minutes of the incident.
